The project in Chester was one of six projects from across the globe that was commended for the WAN Metal in Architecture Award 2015.

The six projects were chosen from a long list of 25 by a panel of judges that included representatives from John McAslan + Partners, Hawkins Brown and Arup. The judges praised the positive contribution the project made to its location, providing a sustainable building within a wider regeneration masterplan with the bronze metal cladding, coupled with the expressed structural elements, clearly referencing the industrial heritage of the site.

Judge Damian Eley, from Arup, said “the cladding fits very well into the historic context despite being clearly modern" while James Dixon from John McAslan + Partners said the project “looked incredible in its setting. It really does blend in. It’s metal, it’s not brick so they are using it in an innovative way."

Our shared ambition with our client was to rethink large format retail architecture and demonstrate it can deliver high quality placemaking and we are delighted that this vision has been recognised in this way.

The project, which was completed last year, has also been shortlisted for a regional RIBA Award, the winners of which will be announced in April. All regional winners are then put forward for the RIBA National Awards in June.